Robin Roberts reveals she has blood and bone marrow disease MDS

Robin Roberts fought off breast cancer five years ago, but the Good Morning America anchor is facing a new threat. The 51-year-old announced on her show Monday she has myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS, a blood and bone marrow disease likely caused by her treatment for breast cancer. Knowing it's often called pre-leukemia doesn't help.

"My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this — and I know it's true," she said in a statement for ABC (watch her announcement here). "If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don't apply to me. They say I'm younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured."

Roberts learned of her diagnosis on May 9, the day she interviewed President Barack Obama and reported on the president's support of gay marriage.

She goes on to say she will start chemotherapy to prepare for a bone marrow transplant in the fall. "Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women," she said. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

She goes on to note she will continue to work on Good Morning America, but will take time off for the marrow transplant. The show's site has more information on both MDS and being an organ donor.

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